Labour in the eye of a perfect storm of politics

IT HAS been a difficult week for Labour as the party in Wales increasingly attempts to distance itself from the UK party and its leader Jeremy Corbyn, writes public affairs consultancy Deryn.

Recently published UK polling revealed 56% of voters believe Mr Corbyn would be “a disaster as Prime Minister”. Separate polling in Wales will give Welsh Labour some encouragement, with the party up 5% on the last poll. It will also be a big boost for the Conservatives, up 1% and still on course for its best performance in Wales at a general election. Plaid, the Lib Dems and Ukip have all seen their support edge downwards over the past two weeks. Despite coming third in Wales at the 2015 General Election, Ukip will not contest all seats in Wales next month, attributing this to timing and money.

After last week’s local government elections, we can expect economic development and the City Region deals to be high on the agenda. With new leaders at some councils, however, we can’t be sure that the buy-in will be the same from all.

First Minister Carwyn Jones announced plans to create a world-leading technology cluster in Newport, expected to create more than 2,000 jobs. The facility, backed by £12m of Welsh Government funding, aims to make Wales the global centre of expertise for compound semi-conductors. The project, the first supported by the £1.2bn Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, is expected to attract up to £365m of private sector investment over five years

There were lively exchanges in the Senedd this week, as the parties debated the Welsh economy. Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies noted the main theme of the election would be the ability to deliver on Brexit, stressing the need for “strong and stable” leadership.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates defended the Welsh Government’s economic record, against the backdrop of the recession and years of austerity budgets.

While UK Labour insists its plans for the economy and wider pledges are fully costed, we await further details when its manifesto is published. The leaked draft version had no mention of the Swansea Tidal Lagoon, devolution of policing or Severn Bridge tolls. Welsh Labour were quick to respond that it would be publishing its own distinct manifesto.

Looking forward, AMs will have the opportunity to quiz the Economy Secretary on Tuesday and Plaid Cymru will launch its manifesto in Tonypandy.